PA Lake Erie Stream & Lake Fishing Reports!

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton

Conditions:

As has much of the country, Erie has enjoyed an unusually mild winter so far. Temps over the few weeks had been cold enough at times to cover Presque Isle Bay and most of the tribs with a thin layer of ice giving some encouragement to eagerly waiting hard water anglers. With temps hitting the 50 degree mark this week, the ice and snow disappeared quickly bringing any immediate hopes of ice fishing to a close for now. The good news is that steelhead season has been dramatically extended with very little angling pressure. Although many fish have been in the tribs for a while, there have been many reports of fresh steelhead being caught. The key is finding them. With the mild winter, the steelhead have really spread out. Live shiners and the micro jigs are good winter choices when the waters have some stain and flow. Enjoy the weather and the extended season. In Erie, it could all change in a day or two. The weather is also allowing for good perch and burbot fishing along the Bayfront and along the North and South piers entering Lake Erie.

West Erie County

DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions: Weekend fishing was fair to good with a mix of fresh and blackened fish throughout the tribs. Area weather has been very mild for this time of year with only a few inches of snot so far. Fishing has been good at the Elk Creek access this past week end with very little angling pressure. . Temperatures at dawn kept the water just at the freezing point but not cold enough to make ice an issue....yet. Single eggs, sucker spawn patterns, shiners will keep you busy if you are on them. Winter is a terrific time to fish the tribs if you prepare for the cold weather and the ice water.

There are still large numbers of fish holding in the nursery waters at Trout Run. Many of the fish are blackened and starting to weaken however, close observation revealed a surprising number of fresh fish mixed in the pack especially since we really haven't had any severe weather yet. Fishing the shoreline at Trout Run has been good with many days still seeing little or no wave action. Shoreline fishing should remain good until the we get into freezing temperatures and heavy winter wave conditions.

Walnut Creek is still holding fish in the Project waters although they are scattered and well spooked. Anglers are still doing fair to good along the wall leading to the Lake and if patient, in the basin. . The Manchester Hole is still loaded with fish and will continue to draw a good number of anglers until ice over.

Don't Forget:
2012 Fishing licenses are to be displayed on an outer garment when fishing effective January 1st, 2012

Walnut Creek Office: The Walnut Creek Access office will be open Friday from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm and beginning December 24th, will be closed for the winter. Port A Johns and dumpsters will remain in the area for your convenience.

Ed Mitchell of Freeport PA brought in a nice looking 13 pound 1 ounce Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 33 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it while fishing in the lake at the end of the Walnut Creek channel. He was using White Power Bait.

The lake is kind of muddy but look how nice it is for a December day. We had about 2-3 ft waves all day today and very sunny. The Lake temperature is 46 degrees right now. I left my date stamp on so you can see that this is a day in December.

The Marina is jumping with fish. I watched a man catch two fish on the North side of the Marina within an hour. There are lots of minnows in it too.

Danien Engle and Jeramey Kehler both of Berks County, Pa brought in a couple nice looking female fish. Danien’s (left) was 7 pounds 9 ½ ounces, 27 inches long with a girth of 15 inches. He caught his on Crystal Meth, Sucker Spawn. Color was Pink.

Jeramey’s (right) fish was 7 pounds 3 ½ ounces, 28 ¾ inches long with a girth of 15 inches. He caught his on a Woolly Bugger, Black/Green was his color. They both caught them at the Chutes on Walnut Creek.

Saturday fishing between the bridge and Stop Sign hole. There were quite a few people here today.

Fishing at the famous Stop Sign hole.

Ten year old Aiden Hulings of Kane, PA brought in an 11 pound 6 ounce Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 29 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it at the mouth of Crooked Creek using a single egg.

Philip Diehl of Hollidaysburg PA brought in an 11 pound 1 ½ ounce female Steelhead. It was 29 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He caught her in between the Stop Sign hole and Manchester Hole on Walnut Creek. He was using a “Stimulator” fly. Colors were Gray/Yellow/Orange.

Not much happening right now. We had about 15 minutes of snow but no accumulation. This weekend is supposed to be very windy with gusts of 30 knots. Waves on the lake are to be 5-7 ft up till Sunday night.

There are a few fish in the Manchester and Stop Sign holes and even in between (see above). There's water in the creek and the color is good.

Eleven year old Alex McCracken of Wallaceton, PA brought in his Angler Award sized fish. It was 10 pounds 13 ounces, 29 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 18 ½ inches. He caught it on Thursday but didn’t bring it in until Friday to get weighed. He caught it at the Stop Sign hole on Walnut Creek. He was using a White Imp.

Shawn Bissett of Mather, PA brought in this nice male. It was 12 pounds 10 ½ ounces, 31 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 18 ¾ inches. He caught it at the Stop Sign Hole on Walnut Creek using a Green Woolly Bugger.

Bill Oshinski (Billy O) came in with a nice 12 pound 11 ounce Steelhead. It was 31 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out on the boat in 17 ft of water off Trout Run. He was using Lil Cleo’s. Color was Blue/Silver.

Thirteen year old Matthew Deyarmin of Cherry Tree, PA brought in an 8 pound 2 ounce Steelhead for Junior Award. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 16 ¼ inches. He caught it on 12 mile Creek using Skein.

Ten year old Michael Thomas Secosky of Greensburg, PA caught his Junior Award fish in Manchester Hole. It was 8 pounds 15 ½ ounces, 29 ½ inches long and a girth of 16 ¼ inches. He caught it using Fathead Minnows.

Twenty three year old Casey Gallagher of Kittanning PA caught her Angler Award sized fish between Manchester Hole and the Stop Sign Hole. It was 10 pounds 4 ½ ounces, 27 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 ¾ inches. She was using egg sacks.

MARINA OPENING:

We opened the Marina today at 2 PM for fishing. Here is the North Wall lined up with fishermen waiting to cast their lines.

Walnut Creek Basin:
Weather permitting, the docks and launch ramps are scheduled to be removed and the Walnut Creek Marina basin is to be open to fishing on November 3rd at 2:00 pm. The Walnut Creek Basin can provide great fishing, especially when trib conditions are low. The basin is handicap accessible and is a great place for the kids to fight that first steelhead. Restroom facilities are close by along with a a place to warm up, phone service, ice, information, and fishing licenses. For more information on the Walnut Creek Marina you can call 814-833-2464.

Eleven year old Breanna Hauser of Erie, Pa came in with a couple nice Perch. They both were over 1 pound each but this one was 1 pound 1 ½ ounces, 12 ½ inches long with a girth of 9 ½ inches. She caught it out in 67 ft of water off Trout Run using Golden Shiners.

STEELHEAD:

The water in Walnut Creek is a pretty good color right now. It has been low and clear but with the rains we had it brought in some fish and stirred up the creek a little.

So far the weather this week has been good for fishing. With all the rain we had this past weekend it brought in a few fish. Most of them are being caught at the Manchester Hole on Walnut Creek. I know Elk Creek has a few in too. The lake has been real rough so there hasn’t been any lake shore fishing to speak of.

I will try to get some stream pictures for next week.

MARINA OPEN DATE:

If the weather holds we are aiming for THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD AT 2 PM to open the marina for fishing.

WEATHER:

This weekend should be pretty good for fishing in the creek but the lake is supposed to be 8-11 ft waves tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday 4-6 ft waves. Sunday they are supposed to be 2-3 ft but as you all know it changes every 6 hours. Cleveland does an update at: 4 AM and 10 AM / 4 PM and 10 PM. so, it may not be the same tomorrow as it is today.

It is to rain tonight and tomorrow but Saturday and Sunday partly sunny.

Misguided Hooks: With elbow to elbow fishing conditions, the occasional misguided hook can be fairly common. Removing a hook is not as difficult or as painful as many think if done properly. If the hook has pierced the skin and the point and barb are exposed it is simply a matter of cutting the barbed end and eye off with a pair of nippers or needle nosed pliers and pulling it out. The situation is a little tougher when the barb is buried. The proper way is as follows, assuming that the hook is not in a delicate area such as the ear lobe or near the eyes. Those situations would dictate seeking professional attention:

1) Press firmly on the eye of the hook

2) At the same time use a cloth, string, or some type of wrap that can be wrapped around
the curved portion of the hook

3) While pressing on the eye, pull with one quick motion on the attached cloth. This is
virtually painless (or so I'm told). Irrigate the wound and bandage. Of course this procedure is for small hooks.

Report: Yesterday we went up but got no steelies. Didn't see any boaters getting any either and saw only one shore fisherman get one. We got 3 tickets of perch within 2 1/2 hours. A lot of nice size ones.

Thirteen year old Joe Efaw of Mannington, West Virginia came in with a 1 pound 7 ounce Perch. It was 13 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 10 inches. They were fishing in 56 ft of water a little West of Walnut Creek. They were using Fat head Shiners.

The Perch seem to be scattered all over. Some days they are in 60 ft and others in 50 ft then back to 56 ft. I was told there is a lot of bait out in the water and sometimes it is hard to entice them to take your bait. They are slowing down some though so not a lot of limits coming in.

STEELHEAD:

Nine year old Brayden Powell of Lewistown PA came for his first educational trip for Steelhead. He brought in a couple he was proud of catching. The first one was 7 pound 7 ounces, 25 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 15 ¾ inches. The second one was 6 pounds 12 ounces, 25 ¾ inches long and its girth was 14 ½ inches. He caught them both using Sucker Spawn and flies. They didn't quite make Angler Award but he didn't care. They still were nice fish and he was very happy.

Bartley Malie of Pittsburgh, PA brought in this nice female. She was 13 pounds 1 ounce, 32 ½ inches long and had a girth of 19 ½ inches. He caught her in the channel of Walnut Creek using a Spoon. The color was Blue/Silver.

Chris Kagey of Barkhamsted, CT came in with a nice sized male Steelhead. This is his first Steelhead trip and first trip to PA staying for just six days. Altogether he caught five fish and he is going to get this one mounted. It was 8 pounds 8 ounces, 27 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. It didn’t make Angler Award but it was the biggest fish he caught. He caught it at Elk Creek using Brass head Fly’s.

As of this writing there are a few fish in the creek. I spotted approximately 100 fish from the bridge down to the small launch ramp in Walnut Creek. They are some pods of 20-30 fish and them some stragglers by themselves swimming around. The water is low and clear and the next couple days I don’t see anything changing. We are to have nice weather in the 70’s and the lake is only to be 1-2 ft waves. Nice for lakeshore fishing.

Please don’t forget: The boaters have right-of-way in the channel. You MUST pull your lines ALL the way out of the water when boats are exiting and entering the channel. The boats also have to hug the East wall because of the sandbar in the center of the channel.

September 28th, 2011

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton rglerie@msn.com

Conditions: September and early October often present a variety of of opportunities for area anglers and this year is no exception. Earlier this week temperatures soared into the eighties slowing the steelhead migration but at the same time allowing boaters to continue to take to the Lake for perch and the remaining walleye. The Walnut Creek Access was busy over the weekend with an overlap of steelhead anglers and boaters getting in some late season perch and walleye fishing

Steelhead continue to stage at the tributary mouths with only a few steelhead observed in the Trout Run Nursery waters. Boaters have had some luck trolling the shoreline as have the shore anglers. The "chorus line" continues to build along the shore at Trout Run with catches at daybreak are common. A number of anglers were casting spoons along the shoreline at Walnut Creek this past Sunday just east of the channel with surprising success. Water levels remain very low in the tribs however, a strong cold front is predicted to move through the area late this week and through the weekend bring cool and even cold night time temperatures along with some precipitation The coming weekend may be good if predictions hold up. Current Lake temperature is still a warm 69 degrees. Late night and early daybreak anglers are having luck on the wall at Walnut Creek and to some degree up to the access at Elk Creek. Spoons, tipped minifoo jigs, paste baits, single eggs, shiners, and crawlers have all been productive baits. As is typical, September continues to be a banner month for perch. 55-62' due north of Walnut Creek and north of the point at Presque Isle at the '886 and '490 location are the productive areas.
Boaters are limiting out in as little as a few hours catching doubles and triples of 12-inch-plus perch. If Emerald Shiners are not available, Fathead Minnows will work in a pinch.

Twelve year old Luke Ostermeyer of Portersville, PA brought in an 8 pound 10 ounce Walleye for Junior Award. It was 29 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 16 ¾ inches. He caught it out in 75 ft of water off the Light House. It was caught on a Stinger Spoon and the color was Orange/Silver.

PERCH:

Townville, PA resident, nine year old Cameron Ward brought in a 1 pound 1 ounce Perch for Junior Award. It was 12 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 10 inches. He caught it straight out of Walnut Creek in 55 ft of water on Emerald shiner.

Here is Cameron Ward again on another day bringing in his 13 ½ ounce Perch. It was 12 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 8 ¾ inches long. He was out in 57 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek. They were using Emerald shiners.

A few steelhead have been caught at daybreak along the wall at the Walnut Creek Access but the definitive word is few. A very small pod of fish has been observed off and on in the Walnut channel and there are actually a few fish that have made it upstream to the project waters . Be advised, his is not the starting gun of the season, but it is an indication that conditions are starting to change and a few fish are starting the day break exploratory runs. The tribs are exceptionally low and clear. The Walnut project waters diversion is continues to do its job well directing water into the holes holes and keeping and keeping them clear. The timbers that were put in place for these diversions have held up well.

A good number of steelhead have been brought in from the deeper waters of the lake when conditions permit.

Perch fishing should remain good for a while wind and waves permitting with walleye catches beginning to taper as the lake temperatures drop.

Current Lake Erie water temperatures as of this writing is a bit warmer than normal at 75 degrees off Erie. Current tributary conditions are very low and clear.

Eight year old Sophia Chaney of Erie, PA caught this 8 pound 9 ounce Junior Award sized Walleye. It was 30 ¼ inches long and 16 inches was the girth. She caught it out in 73 ft of water NorthEast of Walnut Creek using worm harness. Her color was Watermelon.

Twelve year old Zoe Chaney of Erie, sister of Sophia caught her Junior Award sized fish. It was 9 pound 3 ounces, 30 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. She caught hers out in 73 ft. of water also using worm harness but her color was green “Mad Money”.

Perch:

The Perch are still there straight out of Walnut Creek in 50 ft. of water and if you go either East or West of the pack you can get them there too in 54-56 ft. of water.

STEELHEAD:

I have had quite a few people tell me that they are hearing about Steelhead in the creeks. I walk along the creek here at Walnut Creek just about every day I am here (four days a week) and I have not seen a fish in it. The lake temperature is 75 degrees at this writing and we just had a little rain last night that didn’t do a thing to bring the creek up any. It is still low and clear. I can see the rocks in the bottom. Maybe at night or early morning someone might get a “Scout” but they are few and far in between. When the lake temperature gets to 65 – 70 degrees then you can start looking for them.

It is still too warm (75 degrees). I am getting people getting them out in the trenches though, but just a few. No boats are trolling in front of the creeks yet either. Give it another few weeks.

With overnight temperatures in the 50's and things starting to cool off, steelhead have been staging near the mouths of Walnut Creek and Trout Run. A few steelhead have been entering Walnut Creek at night but quickly head for cooler water at daybreak. There have been a few unconfirmed reports of steelhead caught along the shoreline at Trout Run in the early dawn hours. It is probably not too early to do some early morning trolling near the mouths or to be trying your luck along the shorelines or along the "Wall" at Walnut Creek. Current Lake Erie water temperature is 76 degrees. West County tribs are low and clear with little to no flow.

The Wall:
Anglers fishing the wall along the channel entering Lake Erie at the Walnut Creek Access are again advised that boaters have the absolute right of way angler's lines. Anglers fishing the wall must remove their lines and give way to boaters exiting and entering the channel. Allowing ones line to entangle the prop of a passing boater in this area is a citable offense. Fishing line tangled in a prop can damage an outdrive seal causing oil leaks and possibly extensive damage. Boaters are asked as a courtesy to sound their horn as the exit the basin into the channel to let anglers know to pull their lines.

Six year old Sean Dewey of Gibsonia, PA brought in a 7 pound 14 ounce Walleye for Junior Angler Award. It was 28 ½ inches long and had a girth of 16 ¼ inches. He caught it out in 80 ft of water north of the Point on a Reef Runner. Color was Grape Ape.

Nine year old Chase Vrabel of Gibsonia, PA (Sean’s cousin) caught his 8 pound 1 ounce Walleye. It was 28 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 16 ¼ inches. He caught his in 80 ft of water off the Point also. He was using Reef Runner and his color was Bare Naked Wonderbread.

PERCH:

Eleven year old Dakota Smith and his sister thirteen year old Tori of Rural Valley, PA brought in a load of Perch of which two made Junior Angler. Dakota’s was 1 pound 3 ½ ounces, 13 ½ inches long with a girth of 9 ½ inches. Tori’s was 1 pound ½ ounce, 12 ¾ inches long with a girth of 9 inches. They were out in 60 ft of water a little West of Walnut Creek. They also were using Golden Shiners.

STEEL HEAD:

Twelve year old Jason Steiner of Jefferson Hills, PA brought in the first Steelhead to get weighed by me for Junior Angler Award this year. It weighed 10 pounds 2 ½ ounces and was 31 ¼ inches long with a girth of 16 ¼ inches. He caught it straight out of Walnut Creek in 75 ft of water on a Dream Weaver spoon. The color was Silver/Green.

Walleye fishing has been sporadic with no one location being best. Anglers are still catching a good number of short fish to get a few legal size walleye. (of course catching is half the fun). Steelhead have been hitting well in the deeper waters. As of this writing, there is still no major evidence of steelhead staging near the tributary mouths.

Perch fishing has been fair to good depending on who you talk to. When the lake is calm, anglers have been doing well in 52 feet of water due North of the Walnut Creek Access.

Current Lake Erie water temperatures is 79 degrees off Erie. Current tributary conditions as of this writing are very low and very clear.

Thirteen year old Logan Schuller of New Castle, PA came in with an 8 pound ½ ounce Walleye for Junior Angler Award. It was 29 ½ inches long and had a girth of 16 ½ inches. He caught it out in 70 ft of water off Godfrey Run on a Renosky Plug. The color was Rainbow Trout.

Fifteen year old Cameron Kirkwood of Leeper, PA brought in for Junior Angler Award a 7 pound 13 ounce Walleye. It was 29 inches long and had a girth of 16 ¾ inches. He caught it out in 74 ft of water between Walnut and Trout Run. He was using worm harness (Blueberry Muffin).

Twelve year old Ellen Valerio of Girard, PA brought in a 7 pound 12 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 27 ¾ inches long with a girth of 17 inches. She caught it out in 74 ft of water East of Walnut Creek off the Condo’s on a worm harness. Color was Rainbow.

SMALL MOUTH BASS:

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions:
As of late a dozen people will give you a dozen different reports. Anglers are still having the most success for walleye and a few steelhead in the colder, deeper waters of the lake which in many cases may often be too far off shore for some of the smaller watercraft. Boats fishing north of the point off Presque Isle nearly to the Canadian line and West have been doing well. Perch fishing is a bid sporadic with schools somewhat on the move and anglers having to move often to bring in their limits. As of this writing the most productive perch fishing has been in 52 to 54 feet of waters off the Presque Isle condos and the point. The exceptionally warm Lake temperatures this year seem to have fish on the move in search of colder more oxygen enriched waters. A few anglers have been spotted fishing the wall at Walnut Creek at night in search of that first tributary steelhead but it's a bit early. The tribs are still very low and very warm and there hasn't been any evidence of early staging at the mouths. Current Lake Erie water temperature off Erie is 78 degrees.

Nine year old Gage Schwarz of Aliquippa, PA brought in a 9 pound 9 ½ ounce Walleye for Junior Angler Award. It was 29 inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out in 77 ft of water Northeast of Walnut Creek on a Renowsky Plug. Color was Blue.

Fourteen year old Tom Donnelly of South Park, PA brought in an 8 pound 11 ½ ounce fish for Junior Angler Award. It was 29 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it out in 68 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a worm harness. Color was Pink.

PERCH:

Nine year old Cameron Ward of Townville, PA brought in a 1 pound ½ ounce Perch for Junior Angler Award. It was 13 inches long and had a girth of 9 ¼ inches. He caught it out in 56 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek and a little East. He was using Emerald Shiners.

WEATHER:

The weather this coming weekend is:

Friday – Southwest winds / 1-3 ft waves

Saturday – Southeast winds / 1-3 ft waves - 50% chance of thunderstorms

Sunday – North winds 2-4 ft waves - 50% chance of thunderstorms

Thirteen year old Edmund Pyska brought in a 1 lb -3 oz Perch for Junior Award. It was 13 ½ inches long and had a girth of 8 ¾ inches. He caught it out in 30 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on worms.

The Perch have slowed down some. The boaters were going out in 45-55 ft of water for the Perch. If you can find them and they start biting, just stick around. They seem to go in circles and come back about every 15 - 20 minutes.

WALLEYE

Thirteen year old Alex Takacs of Clinton, PA came in with his 8 lb-14 oz Walleye. It was 29 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it out in 75 ft of water West of Walnut Creek using an Orange Reef Runner.

Thirteen year old Jason Meier of IL come in with a 9 lb-7 ½ oz Walleye. It was 28 ¾ inches long with a girth of 17 inches. He caught it out in 77 ft of water on the NE side of the First Trench. He caught it on Wonder Bread Renowsky.

The bait and method of the day was drifting minnows with rod in hand.

Gobies like minnows too! But bass like minnows also. Nice up the chain affect minnow to goby to big bronze back. Notice the goby hanging out of the mouth! Too bad they don’t eat them fast enough. The gobies have a large affect on the bass population. Bass spawn once a year where the gobies spawn more than once.

Six year old Grace Ruhlman of Warren PA brought in her 1 pound Perch for Angler Award. It was 13 ½ inches long and had a girth of 8 ½ inches. She caught it out in 52 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on Emerald Shiners.

The Perch fishing seems to be very good. Most everyone going out is limiting on them and in all different depths. Anywhere from 44 ft out to 60 ft. of water. Most boats are going straight out of Walnut and heading just a little East.

WALLEYE:

Thirteen Ryan Bates of Greensburg PA brought in his 9 pound 14 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 30 ½ inches long and its girth was 17 inches. He caught it in 68 ft of water off Elk Creek on an Ice Blue Lure.

Five year old Mathew Kohler of Cranberry Township, Pa brought in a 9 pound 1 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it out in 72 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a “Michigan Stinger” spoon. His color was Green/Blue.

The Walleye are being hard to find. Some people are going all the way to the Ohio line and some are going straight out of Walnut.

Fourteen year old Dan Wanker of Pittsburgh brought in a 10 pound 1 ounce Walleye for Junior Angler Award. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it in 70 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek using a Green Flash, Reef Runner.

Sixteen year old Jerry Martis of Belle-Vernon, PA brought in his 8 pound 12 ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 29 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it out in 65 ft of water West of Elk Creek on a worm harness. The color was Watermelon.

Fourteen year old Lucas Riggleman of Hollidaysburg, PA brought in his Junior Award sized Walleye. It was 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 27 ½ inches long with a girth of 17 inches. He caught his out in 59 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on worm harness. Color was Orange.

June 29th, 2011

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions:
Perch fishing continues to be fair to good although the schools seem to be on the move not having settled heavily in any particular areas.. 45 to 50 feet of water Northwest of Walnut Creek is the currently the hot area. with good numbers schooling up at similar depths North of the point at Presque Isle. A good number of perch (30) and walleye limits (6) were brought into the Walnut Access this past weekend. Good Perch action typically will last all summer and well into the fall months. Shiners are plentiful although many anglers will use fathead minnows. The fat heads will not trigger as many strikes however, they are much easier to keep alive in the bait bucket.
Bass fishing continues to be good. Presque Isle Bay has been good in any area where there is cover. Hot spots include Horseshoe pond around the Perry Monument, the North and South Piers, and the East and West Piers along the channel entering Mariana Lake. Tube baits and other soft plastics, jerk baits, and live shiners, leeches, and crawlers have all been working well. One of the best baits for bass are live crayfish available at some bait shops.

Walleye action seems to have picked up somewhat. Boaters have been picking up eyes in shallower water, 25 to 45 feet and in 60 to 65 feet North of the Point and West to Walnut Creek. Michigan Stinger spoons and crawler harnesses are always good starter choices. Reef runners in gold and copper have been triggering good strikes as well as.

The Stateline ponds along Interstate 90 at the Ohio line have had very little fishing pressure lately. This can be a good place to try your luck for crappie, perch, and sunfish. The ponds also hold a fair number of bass. The Stateline ponds are relatively shallow and are a good place to use a canoe or small car top boats. There are no launch ramps and most of the area is primitive.

Current Lake Erie water temperature off Erie is 66 degrees

Thirteen year old Tori Smith of Rural Valley, PA brought in a 14 ounce Perch for her Angler Award. It was 12 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 8 inches. She caught it out a little East of Trout Run in 44 ft of water. She was using Golden Shiners.

Not many people coming in with any kind of fish. Walleye and Perch both seem to be very hard to find since the lake turned over. The water has been fluctuating between 67 ft and 53 ft of water for the past two weeks.

Last Wednesday the people were catching limits of Perch and Walleye then the lake turned and I haven’t heard of many boats limiting on any fish. Perch are about the only fish people are getting close to limiting on.

The Walleye seem to be going out deeper from where the few being caught are at. I have had a few boats come in with some and where from 12 -13 fish for a boat with three to five guys on board. So, no limits being met. They were going out 7 miles for those.

Fishing should start picking up (if the weather co-operates) in the next week or so. The migration from Ohio hasn’t come this way yet according to the biologist. This weekend the lake is supposed to be rough.

Also I have had a couple people ask me about the Bowfin. I was given this site to refer people to who are interested in knowing the status of the Bowfin. The site is: http://www.fish.state.pa.us/images/pages/qa/fish/bowfin.htm So if you know of anyone who says to Kill and throw away these fish, give them this site. They are on the "Candidate" list.

June 22nd, 2011

West Erie County

DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions: Lake conditions have been relatively calm at times over the last week and warm temperatures have finally arrived in Erie, at least for now. With the lake recently "turning over", surface temps had dropped ink down in the 50's however the warmer ambient temps in the forecasts should get things back to normal quickly. Fair to good conditions have sent anglers out on Lake Erie in large numbers especially this past weekend. Walleye catches have been very good with a number of limits brought in. Prime trolling areas have been in 25 to 45 feet of water west of Walnut Creek as far as the Ohio line with the "trolling lanes" a bit congested at times. The small "cookie" size dipseys or flat lines with crawler harnesses are bringing them in. Boards have been helpful on the calmer days. Bass fishing is still good to excellent throughout Presque Isle Bay and along the Lake shore east of the Bay in 25 to 30 feet of water. The long awaited perch schools are starting to form both off the point at Presque Isle in 40-42' of water and due north off of Walnut Creek. Long term forecasts indicate warm weather and little rain through the weekend laying the ground work for busy launch ramps all week. Current Lake Erie water temperature is 55 degrees.
Walnut Creek Access

Hope to See you on the Water
Good Luck To All

Eleven year old Dylan Rybarick of Templeton, PA and eleven year old Dakota Smith of Rural Valley brought in their Angler Award sized Perch. Dylan’s was 1 lb ½ ounce, 13 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 9 ¼ inches. Dakota’s was 14 ounces, 12 ½ inches long and had a girth of 9 inches. They caught them out in 44 ft of water between Trout and Walnut Creek on Emerald Shiners. The boat they were in caught two limits.

WALLEYE:

Walleye are right out there with the Perch. Most boaters are going out off Trout Run and that is where most of the fish are being caught. The water temperature yesterday, Wednesday, was 65 degrees. Today it is 55 degrees. It seems to go up and then down every week.

Wayne Cunningham of Erie brought in an 11 pound 4 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 30 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He caught it out in 35 ft of water off Trout Run using Stick bait. His color was Purple.

John Brogley (Bronco) of Coraopolis, PA came in with an 11 pound 2 ounce Walleye. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 19 ½ inches. He caught it out off Trout Run in 37 ft of water on a Bango Plug. His color was Black/Silver.

BOATING:

Don't forget to have your boat trailer inspected. Law Enforcement will be checking randomly for uninspected boat trailers. Also, make sure to watch all the signs on the property. Stop signs, Do Not Enter sign etc..

West Erie County

DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions: Lake temperatures have struggled to reach the mid 60's making the West Basin migration to our area a bit later than usual. Perch continue to school, but are moving around. 25' - 40' of water due north and west of Walnut Creek. Similar depths north of Seagull Point are starting to produce. Anglers have been having fair to good success from the shore at Walnut, Chestnut Street and the East Avenue launches. Bass action has been great with regular bass season now in effect. Trolling the lake shore at various depths until they are located and then jigging when you locate them is most productive. Tube baits, blade spinners, and jigging blade baits are great choices

Carp fanatics have been doing well in Misery Bay and the Lagoons area. These monsters can put up a great fight and are easy to catch. Strong line and a rod with a stiff back along with minnows, dead or alive and crawlers fished on the bottom are the ticket. Carp are the number one game fish in many European countries and have just started to gain popularity here. The weedy areas near shore in the Lagoons, particularly near the canoe livery at Presque Isle is a good place to try.

Current Lake Erie water temperature off Erie is 65 degrees

Good Luck to All
Hope to see you on the Water

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions:
Very warm area temperatures have given a boost to a rise in water temperatures on Lake Erie. Perch have been hitting North West between Walnut Creek and Trout Run in 38 to 40 feet of water as well as north of the cribs in 30 to 35 feet with the action gradually improving. Best bet for now is to stay on the move until you lock in a small school. Bass angling is still good in 25 to 35 feet of water all along the Erie shoreline. Bass fishing on Lake Erie has become the summer steelhead replacement with anglers literally coming from all over the country and Canada to experience the thrill and fight of Lake Erie Smallmouth fishing. Walleye have been hitting in the early morning and at dusk west of Walnut Creek in 25 to 30 feet of water.

Pike angling has been fair to good. Not many fish put up a better fight pound for pound. Presque Isle Bay offers some of the best Pike fishing in the country with plenty of trophies waiting to be caught. Pike generally aren't too fussy and often anything shiny will attract their attention. Silver flatfish lures, silver spoons, and chrome rattle traps are great choices. Pike also love live shiners (the larger, the better) suspended under a float. Strong line or a steel leader is a good idea to keep their razor sharp teeth from snapping your line. Pike should be handled carefully when caught with hands and fingers kept behind the gills. Although a bit of a challenge to clean, pike can make good table fare. The area in front of the Chestnut Street launch, outside the Cherry Street Marina , and through out the west end of the bay are good target areas Current Lake Erie water temperature is 63 degrees

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions:
The holiday weekend brought the warm temperatures to the area, kicking off the unofficial start of the Erie area boating season. A scorcher this past Monday put a good number of boats on the Lake and the Bay. Anglers jumped at the chance take advantage of good wind and wave conditions on Lake Erie. The question all weekend was "where are the perch?" It is a bit early, and Perch catches were sporadic with anglers still looking for the large schools. A number of anglers are claimed to be marking sizable schools at times although they just aren't hitting hard yet. Bass anglers are still hitting them well both in the bay and out in the lake. Walleye catches have been fair at night along the Lake shore in 15 to 25 feet of water. Rising temperature forecasts over the next few week or so should quickly bring lake temperatures up and improve both the perch and walleye fishing. Bass fishing has been fair to good in the tribs especially in the deeper slow moving pools. The Fairview Gravel pit pond is still holding plenty of stocked trout.
Current Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is an 56 degrees, relatively normal for early June.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Erie , like much of the state continues to work its way through very wet spring. Monday night brought heavy wind and rain through out the night that will likely affect fishing patterns through the week. Lake Fishing is picking up the wind and waves cooperate, with the anglers targeting smallmouth trophies along the lakeshore in 20 to 35feet of water. Catch rates have been fair to good off the old International Paper site on the east side of the City of Erie, and West of Walnut Creek in similar depths. Anglers unable to take to the Lake can find good smallmouth fishing from the shore on the south side of Presque Isle State Park and along the North and South Piers along the Erie Channel. Small mouth fishing has been fair from the boat launch north to the Lake at the Elk Creek access and off the Wall at the Walnut Creek Access Area. Some lake perch are being caught for the patient anglers, but no big numbers yet. A number of sizable Lake Trout are being brought in to the Northeast Marina as well. Current Lake Erie Water temperature is 51 degrees.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions:
The wet and windy Spring continues around Erie with the rainfall creating significant run off and affecting fishing patterns throughout the area. The Erie area has Lake Fishing is picking up though, with the anglers targeting smallmouth trophies along the lakeshore in 20 to 40 feet of water. Catch rates have been good off the International Paper site on the east side of the City of Erie, and West of Walnut Creek. Anglers unable to take to the Lake can find good smallmouth fishing from the shore on the south side of Presque Isle State Park and along the North and South Piers along the Erie Channel. Small mouth fishing has been fair from the boat launch north to the Lake at the Elk Creek access and off the Wall at the Walnut Creek Access Area. Some lake perch are being caught for the patient anglers, but no big numbers yet. A good number of sizable Lake Trout are being brought in to the Northeast Marina as well. Current Lake Erie Water temperature is 46 degrees. (down from over 50 degrees a few weeks ago)

Walnut Creek Access Area:

The new traffic patterns have at the Walnut Creek Access for a number of years now and have been working well when used correctly. Boaters and anglers are advised to observe the posted signs and follow the marked traffic patterns to help ease congestion. Traffic not obeying posted traffic signs and patterns are subject fines. It is also suggested that boaters check trailers for proper registration. Expired registrations are a violation anywhere in Pennsylvania.

LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUES:

Please be advised that trailer inspections and traffic patterns/signs at Walnut Creek Access will be enforced. Make sure your trailer is inspected if needed (3000 + lbs). Also, watch for all directional signs on the premises. STOP signs, DO NOT ENTER signs, WRONG WAY signs etc.... It has been this way for quite a while now so please be aware.

FISHING:

So far I haven't heard any good reports on fishing. Only a few boats going out yet and mostly for Bass. No reports yet on Perch or Walleye. Water temperature is still cold. It was up to 51 degrees now as of today it is only 42 degrees. It seems to be heading in the wrong direction.

FISH FOR FREE DAYS:

Memorial Day, May 30, and Labor Day, September 5, are Fish for Free days. All rules remain except you do not need a license. Also, Cabela's is having a contest ocinsiding with Memorial Day's Fish For Free day. It is called Cabela's "Wanna Go Fishing For Millions". You can find information on it on the PFBC website.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions Spring Bass and crappie season is picking up as Bay temperatures slowly rise. Most area launch ramps are in and boaters are taking to the bay and even the Lake when the weather permits. Area temperatures are still on the cool side. As the Lake temperatures slowly warm, and it has been slow, it wont be long before the perch schools form and the migrating walleye move in from the Western Basin. Perch and Bass fishing has fair to good along the North and South Piers as has perch. Bass anglers are reporting the action is getting better throughout Presque Isle Bay. There are still a few steelhead remaining in the area tribs, but the numbers are low having been replaced by suckers, small mouth bass and few catfish.
Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 50 degrees.

We are looking for the Walleye bite to start when the water temps get up another 5-7 degrees. We have found some schools and will go after them very soon. We still have some good dates open so if you are thinking about a trip don't wait until the lat minute and hope your dates are open book today and don't get closed out.

Shoreline Fishing at Night for Walleye
Walleye season opens on Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, and the PA tributaries to Lake Erie on May 7th. Although Lake temperatures are a little cold yet for migratory walleye, early season anglers will be trying their luck along the shorelines near the Walnut access area and Trout and Godfrey runs. The jetties just east of the Walnut Creek Channel are the most popular spots at night. Resident walleye often will come in close to shore after sunset in search of stocked smolts and shiners. Patient anglers can cash in with a little skill and finesse. It is arguable how successful anglers are with these early season walleye, but be assured we have observed many successful night time outings. Wading the shoreline or fishing from shore with light line (4 to 6 lb.) using large Rapellas in rainbow, silver, and fire tiger patterns are the ticket. Cast out as far as you can and let the lure rest, giving it an occasional twitch. Patience in and allowing the lure to float motionless at times is critical for success. Typically the strikes are hard and obvious since these "resident" walleye are often the "lunkers." Secrets to success are patience, keeping quiet and not using any light. Successful anglers say even a lit cigarette can scare them away from the shore at night. Calm moon lit evenings and a glass lake surface tend to be the most productive although the action can start shortly after sunset at times.

Boaters often have success as well this time of year staying close to shore and either casting or trolling. Planer boards are almost a must for near shore walleye when trolling. A reminder that the walleye limits have changed for this year. The minimum size is 15" with a daily creel limit of 6 fish.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions: A fair number of fresh steelhead in the 15' to 20" range, or "jacks" as they are often called, have moved into the lower stretches of Elk and Walnut Creeks. Fresh steelhead in this size range put up a great fight on the end of a noodle or fly rod and can be better table fare than the larger older steelhead. These fresh fish are generally aggressive and will hit a variety of presentations depending on water clarity. Small presentations will work, especially single cured eggs and egg pattern flies along with the micro jigs and live grubs. Suckers have begun to move into the tribs which is a good indicator that the warmer spring weather may actually be around the corner. A few boats were spotted this past weekend on Presque Isle bay targeting post ice crappie and pan fish. Current West County trib conditions as of this writing were stained with good to hard flow.

Ice on Presque Isle Bay is melting fast with reports on Tuesday of a few inches or so inches of soft unstable ice with considerable slush and water. Anglers are advised that ice conditions should now be considered unsafe. There have been a number of reported fall throughs on Presque Isle Bay over the last few weeks. Rain and warm daytime temperatures this week may bring the hardwater season to an end by the weekend.

On the bright side, ice out typically means the beginning of an abundance of slab crappie in and around Presque Isle Bay.

Current tributary conditions as of this writing are high and flowing with good color. The stage is set.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions: A winter blast hit the Erie area Monday leaving up to a foot and a half of wet snow with the expected this week. The area tribs had melted down, jamming the mouths with the large broken ice flows. Although there is some open water on the tribs, they have begun to quickly refreeze.

The ice has been thick enough on Presque Isle Bay to withstand the spring temperatures late last week and was crowded with ice huts this past weekend. Ice thickness has been reported anywhere from 4 inches up to 10 inches depending on what part of the bay you are on. Catch reports at Presque Isle have been sporadic with mostly blue gills filling the buckets. There have been reports of good size perch catches and the occasional steelhead.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions: Mild temperatures early this week put a good dent in melting down much of the snow and ice that has piled up around the area. Although ice in most areas is still stable, there was considerable standing water and slush on the Bay and Tribs this past Monday. Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high 50's are later this week which may be enough to open the tribs and start the ice jams. Anglers are advised to use extreme caution in all areas as this warming trend approaches. Ice fishing on Presque Isle Bay for perch and steelhead has been sporadic although gill catches seem to be plentiful.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions: Erie has been part of the arctic blast that has sent the mercury into the single digits over much of the last week. High winds and drifting snow have made travel difficult and many have been content to stay in the warmth and safety of their homes or workplaces. On the other hand the popularity of ice fishing our area, especially on Presque Isle Bay seems to grow every year. This past weekend found countless huts on the bay and many hardwater folks trying their luck on the Walnut channel and along the shore at Trout Run. Frigid temperatures have accelerated ice thickness around the area. Anglers coming off Presque Isle Bay Tuesday afternoon reported Ice as thick as 10 to 12 inches in many areas. Although there is plenty of thick ice, a heavy blanket of snow has slowed the formation of hard "black ice" in some areas. With the wind howling temperatures in the single digits, the shelter of a hut is a necessity. As always, ice fishing reports vary greatly, depending on who you talk to, but in general, fish are being caught. Lake Erie, although not quite completely frozen, seems to be well on its way.

Anglers have had success targeting steelhead through the ice at the Walnut Creek Basin and in the channel just outside the basin. Broken drift ice has built up along the Lake Erie shoreline. This ice is not solid or stable and should be considered unsafe. The Manchester hole although mostly ice covered although fast flowing water under the ice in this area is a recipe for danger.

A number of anglers found good ice fishing at the Upper Gravel Pit pond in Fairview this past weekend bringing in a few nice perch and a a few leftover stockies. Shiners were the ticket. The Gravel Pit pond is somewhat sheltered from the high winds that often blow on Presque Isle Bay and can be a good place for those without a portable ice shanty. The Gravel pit, although not a large body of water, is quite deep.

Ice Fishing Gear Reminder:
It is unlawful while ice fishing to use more than five fishing devices, which may consist of rods, hand lines, tip-ups, or any combination. Each device shall contain a single fishing line with no more than three hooks attached to each line. Holes cut in ice may not exceed 10 inches between the farthest points as measured in any direction. All lines, rods, or tip-ups shall be under the immediate control of the person using them. On Fish & Boat Commission lakes, shelters, or shanties must be removed when through fishing for the day.

Presque Isle Bay was just starting to get to the solid ice stage when the thaw hit. The existing ice suffered considerable melting and what remains has softened considerably. As of Monday afternoon better than two thirds of the Presque Isle Bay was ice free with the remaining ice risky at best. Many stress cracks are visible and the Bay should be considered very unstable for now. Day time temperatures in the twenties ma make the window of opportunity for trib fishing short lived, but for now conditions are good. The Walnut Creek marina basin was ice free as of late Monday. The shoreline at Trout Run, although not frozen, was scattered with loose drifting ice and slush. Current West County trib conditions as of Tuesday were high and flowing nicely with good color.

A few anglers found good ice fishing at the Upper Gravel Pit pond in Fairview this past weekend bringing in a few nice perch and a a few leftover stockies. Shiners were the ticket. The Gravel Pit pond is somewhat sheltered from the high winds that often blow on Presque Isle Bay and can be a good place for those without a portable ice shanty. The Gravel pit, although not a large body of water, is quite deep. Be sure to check ice thickness carefully.

Eleven year old Stephen Van Horn of Rural Valley, PA brought in a 9 pound 2 ounce Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it in the Project waters in Walnut Creek on Wooly Bugger. Black/Orange.

Well this is the last of the season. Our office hours are going to the weekends only now. My hours will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday’s from 7 AM till 5:30 PM. I will be here on the 23rd also which is a Thursday but that is to close up shop.

2011 FISHING LICENSES:

The 2011 Fishing Licenses are out now and can be bought down here if you are trying to think of a good Christmas present. The Creel limit and Size limit are the same as last year.

Winter Fishing Tip:
Allowing your reel to get wet in freezing weather can render the drag system ineffective. Be sure to thoroughly dry out a wet reel and oil lightly.... especially in freezing conditions

Paul Durci of Sarver, PA brought in this nice sized male Steelhead. It was 15 pounds 7 ounces, 32 inches long and had a girth of 21 inches. He caught it at 20 mile and brought it all the way here so it most likely was even heavier. He caught it on a Sucker Spawn.

Thirteen year old Jeramey Kehler came all the way from Reading PA for an educational trip. He caught this 8 pound 13 ½ ounce Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 26 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it at the Stop Sign hole on Walnut Creek using a Sucker Spawn. The color for him was White/blue.

Paul Lorigan of Oil City, PA brought in an 11 pound 2 ½ ounce female. She was 29 inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught her on the Bin wall at Walnut Creek using a K-O Wobbler. His color was Green/Silver.

Robert Stevens of Bethel Park, PA brought in his Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 11 pounds 6 ½ ounces and was 31 ½ inches long with a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it on his fly rod which he only started using two years ago. He caught it at the Stop Sign hole on a Sucker Spawn also but his color was Pink.

The water so far this year has been very low. It seems the only time anyone is catching anything is after a rain which we have only had three rains so far this season. The fish seem to know how much is coming and when they come in they shoot all the way up as far as they can go. They don’t bother stopping at the mouth.

Most of the fish getting caught are in the project waters and up above the Manchester Bridge. Thursday, Nov. 18, seemed to be a productive day. I had a few fish in the 8 & 9 pound range come in and also a couple 6 & 7 pounders.

WALNUT CREEK END OF SEASON:

Nine year old Kyrin Wyatt of Windgap, PA brought in his 11 pound 15 ounce steelhead for Angler Award. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it at the mouth of Elk Creek on a Flatfish Plug. The color was Fire Tiger.

Eleven Year old Gary Taylor III of Hillsville, Pa came in with his nice catch. It was 9 pound 10 ounce, 28 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 16 ½ inches. He caught it in the Manchester Hole on Walnut Creek using a Pink Trout worm.

PA STEELHEAD ASSOCIATION:

The Pennsylvania Steelhead Association had their Annual “Learn To Fish” outing on Saturday. They had 17 children show up with their parents. The kids had a good time even though they didn’t catch any fish. They had two winners. They were from left to right, Madeline Welch of Erie, Charlotte Nass and her sister Naomi Nass from Bethel. Madeline won the Reel and Naomi won the rod.
It seems very few of the seasoned fishermen where catching any either. Most of the creeks are very low and clear. We haven't had any significant amount of rain to help entice more fish to come in and to dirty up the water a bit. And it doesn’t seem to be any rain in the next week either.

We opened the Marina today 11/3/10 for fishing at noon. Lots of people here for the opening The North wall is where most of the fishing people were set up.

The East wall in front of the building had quite a few too.

The North wall is where the first fish and the next five fish were caught.

The first fish was caught at 12:11 pm. since then five more have been caught within a 10 minute period. Donald Broadwater of Jefferson, PA brought in the first fish. It was 17 inches long. Some of the others that were brought in were the same size.

There are fair to good reports of steelhead being caught in Presque Isle Bay and Marina Bay at Presque Isle State Park. A number of anglers floating shiners have picked up an occasional steelhead while targeting perch and crappie.

Best bets right now would be to target deeper water at the tributary mouths as well as the lakeshore at Trout and Godfrey Runs on calm days.

The Walnut Creek Marina Basin is scheduled to be open to fishing Wednesday November 3rd at noon and may be a good place to try pending additional precipitation

Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 53 degrees. Area tributary conditions as of this writing are low and clear with little flow.

October 27th, 2010

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions:
Steelhead season is in full swing now with good numbers of fish and anglers spread throughout the area tribs. The access areas at Elk and Walnut Creeks have been crowded and the angler pressure intense. Significant rain on Tuesday has again brought levels making the tribs flowing well. Spin anglers along the wall and the Project waters were doing well on the powerbaits, fresh skein, colored egg sacks and live shiners. Fly anglers were doing well on single egg patterns, small woolly buggers, and suckerspawn patterns in pink, white, cream peach, and red at times. A good number of fish in the 10 LB plus range have been brought in for weighing this year.
Anglers have been doing well in the upper stretches of the tribs around Whitman's bridge in Girard, the Struechan Flats area in Fairview and the areas on Elk Creek around Foleys End Campground.

Crooked Creek has been giving up fish with far less crowded conditions.

Anglers fishing the Lakeshore at Trout and Godfrey run at have been doing very well on calm days and evenings. Egg sacks, single eggs, and the egg imitation patterns have been popular in these areas.

Current Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 56 degrees. West County tributary conditions as of this writing were up and flowing well.

Walnut Creek Marina Basin to Open for Fishing:
Docks are scheduled to be removed from the Walnut Creek marina opening the basin to shore anglers. Fishing will be permitted at 12 Noon, Wednesday, November 3rd assuming that weather conditions do not impede dock removal. For more information, contact the Walnut Creek Access area office at 814-833-2464. The marina basin opening has become an annual tradition at the Walnut Creek Access with anglers often lined up around the perimeter eager to make that first cast. The basin is a great area for introducing the youngsters to steelhead fishing and is a good area for handicapped folks or those that just want to pull up a chairs and sink a line. A fair number of fish have been seen surfacing in the marina the last few weeks.

Trout Run:
The steelhead breeding stock is backed up heavily at the Trout Run Nursery waters where Route 98 ends at Lake Erie. With the opening of significant additional parking, this can be a great shallow water viewing area to take the youngsters for an up close and personal look at these great game fish. The Nursery waters at Trout Run are controlled by the PFBC and although fishing this area is not permitted, sightseers of all ages are welcome.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions:
Trib conditions remain somewhat low and clear with some color in the deeper pools and some flow. We have had enough rain to keep the water levels reasonable with some flow. Forecasts are calling for additional rain throughout the week. Weekend crowds have been excessive at the access areas at Walnut and Elk Creeks with anglers lining up elbow to elbow from the Project waters up to the "chutes area". Weekdays are somewhat less crowded. A good number of browns are being caught along with many citation size steelhead. Steelhead can be found throughout lower Elk near the access area. A good number of limits were taken from both areas this past weekend. Less crowded conditions can be found on Elk Creek near the Girard Boro Park up to and including the Legion Park area off of Route 20. Fish are holding near the Struchean flats off of Sterretania Road up to Folley's End as well. The upper areas of the Tribs may require a little walking to find fish but should be less crowded. Small wooly buggers, sucker spawn and egg patterns, micro jigs, maggots, along with single cured eggs have been popular in the clear water. Light line or leaders in fluorocarbon are nearly a must in the present conditions. Current Lake Erie water temperature is 57 degrees. Current west county trib conditions are clear with some flow, and very fishable levels.

Fifteen year old Alisha Zanath of Aliquippa, Pa brought in an 8 pound 5 ½ ounce Steelhead. It was 26 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. She caught it in Elk Creek on a Gold/Red Cleo. It was also her first fish. Dad was really proud of her.

There are others catching fish but shy in front of the camera. The weather has not been co operating with the fisherman this week. We have had rain up till Wednesday and so the creek was high and muddy. Then on Thursday it started laying down and became a good color. Later in the day they started biting.

Most of the fish are being caught up in Walnut Creek above the Manchester Bridge by the Chutes and above.

Not much action down by the lake though.

Weekend Crowds

Erie has not had significant rainfall since the remains of the dying east coast hurricanes. As such, most all areas on the tribs are low and clear although there is some flow and levels are fishable. The Walnut Project waters and the Manchester Hole are now holding fair to good numbers of fish in each of the holes and anglers have been doing very well along the North Walnut Creek wall at daybreak. Trout Run along the lakeshore has been somewhat productive on calm days at daybreak. Fish are above Route 20 but numbers are limited and fish are still scattered in those areas. Elk Creek has been giving up good numbers of fish from the mouth to the boat launch and on south to the waterfall hole. Very light presentations are a necessity with many experienced anglers opting to use 2 lb. line or tippets. Minnows, small pieces of skein, and egg sacks have been hot along the wall at Walnut. Small suckerspawn patterns in white, peach, and pink along with woolly buggers and small nymphs have been good artificial choices in the shallow pools. Tipped micro jigs in brown, olive and black as well as single cured eggs (the natural kind) have been good choices as well.

Perch and walleye fishing isn't over yet as long as the lake conditions cooperate. Perch are stilled schooled north of Walnut creek in 66 to 71 feet of water. Good walleye fishing can still be found on the South side of the first trench and as of late has been some of the best of the season

Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 66 degrees with the. West County tribs are low and clear and slightly warmer as of this writing.

Report: The Steelies are definitely in. Trolled in front of Trout Run from about 7:30-1pm. Landed 3 and had 5 short strikes.

All hits except one were on black plugs mostly Blakemores.

Short strikes came because I forgot to set my planer board releases a bit tighter for better hook set.

Because the waves were bad out deep a lot of boats trolled in front of the streams. I did not hear of anyone limiting out.

There were a few brave souls out deep with the waves averaging 3-5ft. One or two boaters mentioned fishing for perch. Sounded like they were catching some.

Good Luck To All

Saturday was a day with lots of change. Weather started out nice, 2ft or less and then went to 2-4ft. Late morning it settled down.

We fished first Northwest of Walnut close to the Ohio Border in 71-75ft. By the time we got on the walleyes, one of my crew got the "Erie Flu". We moved to the shelter of the shore and tried for stealies.

On the radio I heard some good reports of walleye and perch. Lots of limits and near limits. I saw "Seawolf" Charters make two trips so the fishing must have been good.

"Fish Connection" charter limited out by 1pm on steelies in close. Lots of steelies being weighed at "Poor Richards."

Nine year old Hunter Briggs of Scottownship, PA came in with a 7 pound 4 ounces Walleye. It was 27 ½ inches long with a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He was out in 65 ft of water West of Walnut Creek using a Fire Tiger Bagley. He also caught this 8 pound 13 ½ ounce fish that was 29 inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. It was caught the same place on the same thing.

Fifteen year old Stephen Pritts of LaTrobe PA brought in his 9 pound 4 ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 29 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 17 ¾ inches. He was 77 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a worm harness. The color was Green Emily.

John Theodore of Baden, PA came in with an 8 pound 11 ounce Walleye. It was 29 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 16 ¾ inches. He was out in 75 ft of water off Godfrey Run. He was using a worm harness and Blue Berry Muffin.

The Lake has been rough since last Friday. The lake is muddy as far out as you can see. The temperature dropped from 76 degrees to 69 degrees in that time also. Therefore, no one has been out to go fishing since then. It is supposed to lay down tomorrow and Saturday to 1-3 ft waves.

It looks like the summer may be over.

Andrew Jack of Erie, PA brought in this 9 pound 5 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He caught it North of Walnut Creek on a worm harness using Fire Tiger spoon.

Joshua Schuffert of New Kensington, PA brought in an 8 pound 9 ½ ounce fish. It was 29 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it out in 65 ft of water North of Walnut Creek on a spoon. Wonder bread was the color and name of it.

Robert Rosky of Pittsburg, Pa brought in two for Award. They each weighed 8 pounds 14 ounces. The one was 28 ½ inches long and had a 16 inch girth and the other one was 30 ¼ inches long and had a 15 ¾ inch girth. He caught them out in 70 ft of water off Elk Creek using Renowski’s. The color was Chartreuse.

The current Lake Erie water temperature off Toledo is 73 degrees, off Cleveland, 74 degrees and off Erie 74 degrees. West County Tribs are extremely low and clear as of this writing.

Trout Creel Limits for Lake Erie Change September 7th
Effective September 7th and running through April 14th, 2010, the daily creel limit for trout and salmon on Lake Erie and the tribs as well as Presque Isle Bay and Peninsula waters changes to three fish per day with a minimum length of 15" only two of which can be lake trout.

Eleven year old Alyssa Theodore of Raccoon Township brought in a 7 pound 14 ¾ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. She caught it out in 74 ft of water off Elk Creek using a Thunder stick. The color was Black/Cooper.

John Sheptak of Butler PA brought in a 10 pound ½ ounce Walleye. It was 29 ¾ inches and a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out in 75 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a worm harness. His color was Blue/Gold.

Eleven year old Jacob Gates of Milesburg, PA brought in his 7 pound 9 ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 28 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 17 ¾ inches. He caught it on a worm harness. Color was Watermelon.

Walleye have been really good this year. Most are being caught out in the south side of the First Trench.

PERCH:

Eight year old Justine Kuno of Findley Lake, NY came in for her Angler Award for a 13 ounce Perch. It was 11 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 8 inches. She caught it out in 60 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on an Emerald Shiner.

Nine year old Diaunte Roster (Sea Wolfs grandson) came in with a 7 pound 10 ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 28 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 16 ¾ inches. He caught it out in 76 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek. It was caught on a worm harness and the color was Orange.

Nine year old Kora Ann Anderson of Coat, N.C. brought in a 7 pound 11 ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 27 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 16 ¾ inches. She caught it out in 74 ft of water East of Walnut Creek on a Renowski Plug. The color was multi-colored.

Eleven year old Kody Anderson, Kora Ann’s brother, brought in a 6 pound 6 ounce fish for his Angler Award. It was 25 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 15 ¼ inches. He caught his in 74 ft of water East of Walnut Creek on a worm harness. His color was Purple/Green.

Eleven year old Carter Ryback of Erie, PA brought in his 7 pound 7 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 16 ¼ inches. He caught it out in 52 ft of water off Elk Creek while Perch fishing. It was caught on a minnow.

Walleye seem to be the only fish that are plentiful right now. Most of the boaters are going out into the First Trench or the “Hump” which is right beyond the First Trench. Mostly in the 65 – 75 ft of water range.

There are some of the guys going out and getting limits on Perch but no one is bringing any in for Angler Award. From what I hear they are marking them but not too many are biting. The water depth for them are anywhere from 48 ft to 55 ft.

Richard Corradi of Midland PA brought in two fish for Angler Award. One was 9 pound 11 ½ ounces, 30 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. The other one was 8 pounds, 28 inches long with a girth of 16 ½ inches. He caught them out in 73 ft of water on the “Hump” between the trenches. He was using Crawler Harness. Color was “Superman” Blue/Red.

Next we have a family of fishermen and fisherwomen. Eleven year old Lexi Mummert of Charleston, SC. Brought in a 10 pound 11 ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 29 ½ inches long with a girth of 17 ½ inches. She caught it out in 72 ft of water in the First Trench.

Here is her twin brother Cole Mummert with his 7 pound 5 ounce Walleye. It was 28 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 16 inches.

Fifteen year old Raquel Gold and her sister ErikaRose of Jeannette, PA brought in theirs for Angler Award. Raquel’s was 7 pounds 3 ½ ounces, 26 inches long with a girth of 16 inches. ErikaRose caught a 6 pound 8 ½ ounce Walleye. It was 25 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 16 ½ inches. Both were caught straight out of Walnut Creek in 90 ft of water on “Lights out” Rapala. Color was Purple/Black.

Jim Leftwich of Duquesne, PA brought in his 8 pound 9 ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 16 ¼ inches. He caught it out in 75 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on Thunder Sticks. Color was Purple.

George Little of McKeesport, PA got an award for his 8 pound 10 ½ ounce fish. It was 28 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 16 3/4 inches. He also caught his in 75 ft straight out of Walnut Creek on a Thunder Stick. Color was also Purple.

August 4th, 2010

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions:
Walleye success has been noticeably on the rise with anglers really getting into them this past week. Tandem crawler harnesses in Chartreuse, Purple, Watermelon, and Copper have been hot along with the Stinger style spoons and stick baits in a variety of colors. Many limits have been brought in from a variety of depths. 60 to 65 feet of water north and northwest of Walnut Creek and along the first trench all the way north to the second trench in 75 to 90 feet of water. Anglers were observed with good catches with in site of the Canadian line. Perch fishing seems to have picked up as well with many limits reported in only a few hours. The largest perch pack is bunched up north of the point off Presque Isle in 60 to 65 feet of water. As is typical, the majority of the fish being pulled from the lake are hitting in the morning hours and just before sunset.

Bass and panfish are hitting well in Presque Isle Bay in the early morning and late afternoon hours.

Current Lake Erie Water temperature off Toledo is 76 degrees, off Cleveland, 76 degrees, and off the Port of Erie, 77 degrees.

Bill Freshwater of Valencia, Pa brought this nice 8 pound 6 ounce Walleye in for Angler Award. It was 31 inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. He caught it out in 65 ft of water eight miles straight out of Walnut Creek on an Experimental Clown from House of Lures. Colors: Red/Black/Chartreuse.

Eight year old Christopher Malicki of Pittsburgh, PA brought in this 8 pound 1 ½ ounce, 27 ½ inches long and a girth of 17 inches. He caught it out in 64 ft of water Northeast of Walnut Creek on a purple Renowski.

Here is Eleven year old Zoe Chaney of Erie, PA with her 8 pound 3 ½ ounce Walleye. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 16 ½ inches and her ten year old sister Olivia Chaney with her 6 pound ½ ounce Walleye. Hers was 25 ¼ inches long and 15 ½ inches for the girth. They caught them both out in 65 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on worm harnesses. The color was Green.

July 28th, 2010

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, rglerie@msn.com

Conditions:
Wind and wave conditions have been marginally cooperative this past week. The recent rains had clouded things up a bit near shore and slowed down the action a bit. Anglers are still bringing in the perch and walleye, but in lessor numbers. The season is by no means over. Forecasts for the weekend are fair to good at this time and things should be back to normal. The hot and humid conditions Erie has been experiencing have generally pushed fish to the colder depths.
The Perch are moving around somewhat but are still staying schooled up. Look for the "boat packs" north of Walnut Creek and off the Point. Drift for the perch until you locate them and then settle in for your limit.

Bass fishing in Presque Isle Bay is still good but slowed somewhat. Anglers are picking up bass and rock bass along the North and South Piers.

Mark Daniel of Edinboro, PA brought in this 10 pound Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 30 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He caught it at the Stop Sign hole on Walnut Creek. He was using sucker spawn and the color was orange.

The Stop Sign hole from what I hear has been good all week. There are

MARINA:

The marina has a little skimming of ice on it but it probably won’t last since we are to be getting some nice 50 degree weather tomorrow. But it won’t last. Tuesday thru Thursday it is supposed to snow and be in the 30’s.

Here is another one of the skimming of ice.

Eleven year old Jordan Preteroti of Muse, PA brought in this beauty. It was 10 pounds – 11 ounces and was 30 inches long with a 17 inch girth. He caught it in Walnut Creek on a maggot.

Gary Gilliland of Chicora, PA brought in this nice looking male Steelhead. He was 11 pounds – 9 ½ ounces and was 29 inches long with a 19 ¼ inch girth. Gary caught him at the “stop sign hole” on a “shrimp fly” he tied.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:
This past weekend brought big numbers of anglers to the area tribs with many anglers enjoying a little fishing on the way to hunting camp. Traditionally, angling pressure will ease with the Thanksgiving holiday and the threats of snow and bitter cold weather. This past week brought additional rain and snow keeping trib levels prime for the big catches. More and more anglers are learning that winter can often bring some of the best steelhead action of the season along with a more quiet angling experience especially along the upper stretches of the tribs. As the water temperature drops steelhead will typically become less active holding in the slower moving pools. Presentation is everything and natural drifts are most important in inducing strikes. The access areas at both Walnut and Elk Creeks are still drawing the crowds for those in a hurry to find fish but plenty of room can be found upstream. The Walnut Creek Marina basin is still giving up a fair number fish. The mouths of Trout and Godfrey runs are still productive, wind and waves permitting.

Winter Fishing Tips: Fish feed less aggressively as the water temperatures drop and will often wait for the food source to come to them, so you need to get your fly or bait close to feeding fish. This means reading the water and presenting your fly or other bait where the fish are holding. During the winter, fish typically hold in areas with less current than during warmer periods of the year. Look for places that offer fish haven from the faster currents but still near faster water that will carry food. The heads of pools, areas with drop offs and rocks, side channels and eddies are all good target areas during the winter months.

Donald Couch of Rochester, PA brought in this nice looking Steelhead. It was 13 pounds – 9 ½ ounces and was 30 ¼ inches long with a girth of 20 inches. He caught it at the mouth of Walnut Creek on a Black Jig tipped with Maggot.

There are a lot of people fishing and catching. It is snowing little balls right now (Friday) but nothing is on the ground yet here. It looks like it might stick though but it is supposed to be in the Hi 30’s tomorrow so I don’t see it sticking for long. The Lake water temperature is 44 degrees.

MARINA OFFICE BUILDING:

The Marina office building will close this Sunday for our seasonal hours. I will be coming in on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 AM till 5:30 PM until December 19 then I will close up for the rest of this season.

2009 LICENSES:

The 2009 fishing licenses will be going on sale Monday. No one will be here but you can stop in on the weekends and get them for whom ever. They do make nice Christmas presents. It is something that will last all year long.

Reminder on Perch:
The perch size limit has now changed to 7" effective December 1st. The daily creel limit remains at 30 fish.

John Shipp Jr. of Houtzdale, PA brought in his 10 pound – 13 ½ ounce Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 29 inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it in Walnut Creek on Power Bait. His color was Rainbow.

Fifteen year old Alex Stoner of Greensburg, PA received an Angler Award for his 11 pound – 1 ounce fish. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 17 ¾ inches. He caught his at the mouth of Walnut Creek on Power Bait. His colors were Red/white/blue.

Vincent Litterini of Nottingham, NH brought his fish in for Angler Award. It was 12 pounds – ½ ounce, was 29 ½ inches long and had a big girth of 19 ¼ inches. He caught his fish at the 2nd set of logs in Walnut Creek, right above the Stop sign hole. He caught his on a Wooley Bugger. The color was Black

Fourteen year old Cody Weimer of Irwin PA brought his fish in for Angler Award. It was 9 pounds – 13 ½ inches and was 30 ¼ inches long with a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught his at the mouth of Walnut Creek on Power Bait. The color was White.

Lewis Sweigart of Marietta Pa. brought in his fish. It was 10 pounds – 1 ounce and was 28 inches long with a girth of 17 inches. He caught his out in the lake at Walnut Creek on a Little Cleo. His color was Blue (with pink dots)/Silver.

William Stewart of Fayette City, PA brought in this fish for Angler Award. It was 11 pounds – 4 ounces, was 30 ½ inches long and had a girth of 18 ¼ inches. He caught it in Walnut Creek Marina on a Jig and maggot.

Here is thirteen year old Zach Broad water from Rices Landing, PA with his Angler Award fish. It was 9 pounds – 8 ounces, 28 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it in Walnut Creek on a Jig. His color was Olive Green

Here is Jim Roner from Burgettstown, PA with his Angler Award fish. It was 11 pounds – 12 ounces, 30 inches long and had a girth of 18 ½ inches. He caught it on a Little Cleo.

The Marina opened at 3 PM on Friday, October 31. Here is a shot of the north side showing the turn out. I would estimate we had around 100 people standing around the marina. Within the first 20 minutes of opening there were at least five fish caught.

Rick Reed from Washington, PA was the first to catch his fish when the marina opened for fishing. It took him 2 ½ minutes to hook the first fish. It was around 20 inches long. He was using Power Bait. Color was Sherbert. He was standing on the south side of marina.

Dave Bachner Jr. of Washington, PA brought in a nice looking Steelhead. It was 11 pounds – 1 ounce and was 28 inches long with a girth of 19 inches. He caught it out in 30 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a Reef Runner. His color was Florescent Orange.

Roy Staszak Jr. of Morrisdale PA, brought in a 10 pound – 9 ounce Steelhead. It was 29 ½ inches long and had a girth 18 ½ inches. He caught it at the Stop sign hole on Walnut Creek on a sucker spawn. The color was Pink.

Eight your old Brandon Bennett of New Castle, PA brought in an 8 pound – 1 ounce Steelhead. It was 28 ½ inches long and had a girth of 16 ½ inches. He caught it in Walnut Creek by the cement wall up in the creek on a flat head minnow.

Phillip Kenneth Howard of Burgettstown, PA brought in a 10 pound-5 ounce fish for Angler Award. It was 29 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He caught it on a “Little Cleo” at Elk Creek. The color was Green/Silver.

Matt Stanley from Pittsburgh, PA brought in a 12 pound - 9 ½ ounce Steelhead for Angler Award. It was 31 ½ inches long and had a girth of 19 ¼ inches. He caught it by the water falls on Walnut Creek by the bridge on a fly. The color was Chartreuse.

James Kalkbrenner of E. McKeesport, PA brought in this 13 pound – 10 ounce Steelhead. He was 31 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 20 inches. James caught him out at the mouth of Walnut Creek on Salmon Egg in a sack.

Eleven year old Adam Melenyzer and Bill Williams of Charleroi, PA brought in a nice looking Steelhead. It almost made Angler Award at 9 pounds - 13 ounces, 30 inches long. It was caught it off Godfrey in 7 ft. of water on an Orange Reef Runner.

Paul Chinikidiadi of Clovis, New Mexico brought in this nice 15 pound - 2 ounce Steelhead. It was 32 inches long and had a girth of 21 inches. He caught it at the Stop Sign hole at Walnut Creek on “Crystal Meth” fly. The color was Pink.

Fifteen year old Nikko Harris of Fairview caught this 8 pound 8 ounce Steelhead. It was 31 inches long and had a girth of 15 inches. He caught it at the Water falls in Walnut Creek on sucker spawn. His color was pink.

Jordan Hendricks of Washington, PA brought in a nice looking 10 pound – 4 ounce Steelhead. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it at the first Project hole on Walnut Creek on an Olive Wooly Bugger.

This is “What is Happening at Walnut Creek” now. The boats are out front trolling at the mouth of the Creeks.

Here is Jacob Manley all the way from Frederick, MD. with his Angler Award sized Steelhead. It was 8 pounds exactly and was 27 ½ inches long with a girth of 16 inches. He caught it on the North channel wall of Walnut Creek on a quarter ounce KO Wobbler. The color was Silver with a Blue stripe.

The fishermen are out fishing into the lake from the stone jetties out front of Walnut Creek.

They are fishing on the south side of the channel.

Here is something that George Yates from New Castle, his son Jonathan, and a fellow fisherman, Greg Lasko of Erie saw while they were out fishing off Elk Creek about 5 miles out in 70 ft of water. It is a six point buck. Jonathan took the picture with his cell phone but you can make out what it is. Greg was able to turn the deer and head him back to shore. That was the last anything was heard of from the deer.

WALNUT CREEK:

Here is a picture of the mouth of Walnut Creek after it rained for three days. It was taken today 10/2/2008.

Here is another shot of the creek looking south while I was standing on the north channel wall. Notice the sign that is on the other side of the creek. You will know where this is by recognizing the signs. This sign is straight out of the marina.

Doug Rumball of Erie brought in a 10 pound ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 31 ½ inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it straight out of Trout Run in 75 ft of water on a Renowsky. The color was Green/Black.

PERCH:

Carol Riblett of Erie, PA brought in this nice sized Perch for Angler Award. It weighed 1 pound 7 ounces, was 14 inches long and had a girth of 10 ¾ inches. She caught it in 58 ft of water off the GE stack on the East side. She was using minnows.

STEELHEAD:

Fourteen year old Cody Weimer of Irwin, Pa brought in this pretty Steelhead. It was 8 pounds 3 ounces and was 28 inches long with a girth of 16 inches. He caught it off the North wall at Walnut Creek on Orange power bait.

Mary Lynn Ecker of Erie, PA, brought in a nice male Steelhead for Angler Award. He weighed in at 10 pounds 8 ounces and was 31 inches long with a girth of 17 ¼ inches. She caught him in Walnut Creek on the South side of the channel. He was caught on a white jig.

WALLEYE & PERCH:

The Walleye have started becoming hard to find. Most guys are trolling from straight out of Walnut in around 65-70 ft of water and trolling West to Elk Creek.

The Perch are still out Northwest of Walnut Creek in about 55-60 ft of water. I am told there is also a school out off Trout Run and the clay banks.

WALNUT CREEK:
The creek is low and clear. There has been no rain for a while even though I have been told that people are thinking we got rain with the winds. We didn’t get much. The water temperature is 69 degrees.

I have had numerous people calling and asking about the Steelhead. There are a couple people trying to catch something in Walnut Creek. There are a few stragglers coming in but it is not “the run”. The boaters are starting to pick a couple up out in the trenches. The water temperature at this writing is 70 degrees and the air temperature is going to be in the mid to low 70’s. Look for the water temperature to go around 65 degrees and look for boats trolling in front of the creeks. That’s a very good indication of where they are.

WALLEYE & PERCH:

The fish are there but they seem to be filled with the bait that is out there. I was told that the bottom is covered with Perch but they just aren’t hungry. That is out in 55-65 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek.

The Walleye are outside of the Perch pack. They are in 65-75 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek and trolling West. Plugs and Crawler harnesses are the best. The colors seem to be either Chartreuse or Black and Silver

PARKING:

The Northwest parking lot is for Slip Holders and Handi-capped ONLY. It is designated so by the sign that is there as you enter the site. If you are not a slip holder or have a Handi-Capped placard, you will receive 1 courtesy warning then the second time is a fine. Parking is available Northeast and the whole way down to the road entrance. Also, if parking in the South lot, park along the creek. The larger part is for boat trailers. You will notice the size is larger

CHANNEL WALL:

All shore fisher persons are to pull their lines for boaters as they enter and exit the channel. It is a safety hazard for the boaters if they get line wrapped on their props. PLEASE, pull lines for boaters. Again, there will be a fine for not observing the rules and regulations which are clearly marked.

Denny Halula of New Alexandria, PA came in with a nice 9 pound 5 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 17 ¼ inches. He caught it out in 65 ft of water West of Trout Run on a “Renowsky”. The color was Blue/Silver.

Nine year old Damien Partin of Oakdale, PA brought in his 6 pound 12 ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. He caught it out in 68 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a plug. His color was green with black strips.

Ten year old Zack Ansinger brought in a 6 pound 2 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 26 inches long and had a girth of 14 ½ inches. He caught it out in 70 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on a Renowsky. His color was gold.

Most of the people I have talked to say they are getting them in 65-72 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek and most are using lures/plugs.

PERCH:

I know they are getting Perch out in 62 – 65 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek but no one is bringing them in for Angler Award. We have had quite a few boaters say they limited.

STEELHEAD:

I have had numerous people calling and asking about the Steelhead. All I can say is there are a couple in the streams but the run is not here. The boaters are just now starting to catch them in the trenches. The water temperature at this writing is 71 degrees and the air temperature is going to be in the high 70’s and mid 80’s till next week at least. Look For the water temperature to go around 65 degrees and look for boats trolling in front of the creeks. That is a very good indication that the fish are trying to come in. The first cold rain we get usually will bring them in. Call our office during office hours if you wish to find out what the temperature is and if the boats are trolling in front of the creeks. Our number is 814-833-2464.

Eleven year old Michael Rossi of Center Township, PA came in with a nice 7 pound 9 ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. He caught his out in 69 ft of water off Virginia’s Beach. He caught it on a “Kojak Special” lure. The color was green.

Eleven year old Vinny Rossi of South Fayette, PA received an Angler Award too for his 7 pound 5 ½ ounce Walleye. It was 28 inches long and had a girth of 16 ½ inches. His was fat all in one place and his cousins’ (above) was fat all over. He caught his in 69 ft of water off Virginia’s Beach also. He also caught it on a “Kojak Special” lure. His color was Watermelon.

PERCH:

Eight year old Joshua Gurtner of West Mifflin, PA brought in his Perch for Angler Award. It was 12 ¾ ounces, 11 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 9 inches. He caught it out in 70 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on an Emerald shiner.

Kristi Miller from Monaca, PA brought in an 11 pound 5 ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 31 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 18 ½ inches. She caught it out in 73 ft of water off Elk Creek on a night crawler. Her color was Gold and Purple.

John Roberts (pictured) and Ardell Blair (Red Bird) came in with their limit. The caught them out in 70 ft of water West of Elk Creek on Renowsky’s. They color was Black and Silver.

David Sarkis from Aliquippa, PA (in front) and Ryan Ray from Ocean City, Maryland (behind) came in with an 8 pound 11 ounce Walleye. David caught it and Ryan netted it. It was 29 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. They were out in 64 ft of water at the Ohio line. It was caught on a Kojak special. The color was purple.

West Erie County, DWCO Randy Leighton, WCO Brook Tolbert

Conditions:

Late summer early fall weather on Lake Erie can be tricky for boats and anglers alike and this past week has been typical. Fast moving fronts can quickly change serene conditions into capping waves in very short periods of time. Rough water has had boaters flipping the coin as to when to go out, but those that can take a little pounding, don't get sick, and respect what Lake Erie can dish out, have been rewarded with good perch catches in 60 plus feet of water and fair to good numbers of walleye. This is of course not an endorsement to throw caution to the wind...if in doubt, don't head out.

Two human rod holders catching their own 12 walleye brings smiling faces.

The action has been hot way west in 60 to 72 feet of water with some large 10 pound walleye making the cooler.

John Griffith of Clarks Mills PA caught a nice 8 pound 5 ounce Walleye. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 16 inches. He caught it in 60 ft of water West of Elk Creek on a worm harness. Perch color was what he used.

Robert Chaney of Middle Ridge, Ohio caught a 10 pound 10 ounce Walleye. It was 31 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught his out in 60-63 ft of water West of Elk Creek on a worm harness. His color was green.

Patrick Harris of Greensburgh, PA brought in a nice 8 pound ½ ounce Walleye for Angler Award. It was 28 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it out in around 65 ft of water off Elk Creek on a worm harness. His color was chartreuse.

Eight year old Michael (Mikey) Doerflinger, of Slippery Rock, PA brought in a Sheepshead for ANgler Award. It weighed 7 pounds 12 ¾ ounces, was 26 inches long, and had a girth of 18 ¾ inches. He caught it out in 30 ft of water off Trout Run on a “Goby Gulp”.

WALLEYE:

Michael Schmitt of Harmony, PA brought in an 8 pound 14 ½ ounce Walleye. It was 30 inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out in 65 ft of water off Elk Creek on a worm harness. His color was purple.

YELLOW PERCH:

James O’neil of Kennerdell, PA is going to be 73 years young tomorrow. He brought in this Perch for an Angler Award. It was 1 pound 8 ounces, 13 ¾ inches long and had a girth of 11 inches. He caught it in 62 ft of water straight off Elk Creek on an Emerald Shiner.

WEATHER:

The weather for the next couple days 8/8 thru 8/10 is:
Friday: NW winds – 10-20 knots – 2-4 ft waves.
Saturday: NW winds – 5-15 knots – 1-3 ft waves.
Sunday: W winds – 5-15 knots – 1-3 ft waves.

WALNUT CREEK MARINA:

Do to some vandalism in the rest rooms, the outside restroom doors are kept closed. Please use the lobby doors when the office building is open. There are Porta-Johns available for your convenience if you need to use the rest rooms when the building is not open between shifts. There are two at the top of the Launch ramp and two in the grove of trees off to the South side of the marina.

Also, do to the increase in the cost of Ice; we had to increase our price. Ice can now be bought for $1.60 for a seven pound bag here at the office.

Ten year old Scotty, seven year old Joe and fourteen year old Tony Wyland with dad in the background brought in a couple of their catch. Joe brought his Walleye in for Angler Award at 10 pounds 10 ounces. It was 31 ½ inches long and had a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out in 72 ft of water West of Walnut Creek on a worm harness. His color was lemon / lime.

Chris Devore of Cambridge Springs, PA brought in a 9 pound 2 ounce Walleye and received an Angler Award for it. It was 30 ¼ inches long and had a girth of 16 ½ inches. He caught it out in 74 ft of water straight off Elk Creek on a worm harness. The color was Watermelon.

Thomas McNally of North Hills, Hampton, PA came in with this nice 9 pound Walleye. It was 29 ½ inches long and had a girth of 17 ½ inches. He caught it in 75 ft of water West of Trout Run on a worm harness. The color was Watermelon / Copper.

So far everyone seems to be having a lot of luck getting the Walleye in close and out deep. Anywhere from 25-40 near shore and 50-75 out deeper. Mostly on worm harnesses with different colors as you can see.

PERCH:

I have no pictures of Perch but I do know they are getting them. No one wants their picture though. Most are being caught in 55-60 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek and the same for off of Trout Run.

DREDGING:

The dredging is done. The lowest spot at the mouth of Walnut Creek is 5 feet according to the dredging crew.

This weekend the weather is supposed to be pretty nice. The waves are supposed to be 1-3 ft on Saturday and 2 ft or less on Sunday. But we all know that can change, so if need be you can call our office here at Walnut Creek for the weather and lake conditions during office hours. The number is 814-833-2464.

RESTROOMS:

Because of vandalism, the restrooms are not open from the outside anymore nor after office hours. The restrooms can be entered through the lobby doors when the office building is open. (The days and times are listed on signs in the windows). Any other time there are Porta-Johns available for your convenience placed around the marina property.

Fifteen year old John Ernst of Erie, PA came in for an Angler Award for this 1 pound 5 ½ ounce Perch. It was 13 ½ inches long and had a girth of 10 inches. He caught it out in 62 ft of water straight out of Walnut Creek on an emerald shiner.

Ten year old Lucas and thirteen year old Julia Stellabotte of Pittsburgh, brought in their Perch for Angler Award. Lucas’s was 1 pound 5 ½ ounces, 13 ½ inches long and had a girth of 11 inches. Julia’s was 13 ½ ounces, 12 ¼ inches long with a girth of 9 inches. They both were caught out in 60 ft of water East of Walnut Creek on Emerald shiners cut in half.

WALLEYE:

Twelve year old Justin Gillogly from Waynesburg, PA brought in an Angler Award sized Walleye. It was 9 pounds 4ounces and was 30 inches long with a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out in 60 ft of water west of Walnut Creek on a worm harness. His color was Copper.

Nine year old Nicholas Langford of Erie came in for an Angler Award for his Perch. It was 1 pound 5 ounces and was 13 inches long with a girth of 10 ¾ inches. He caught it in 55 ft of water straight out of Walnut on an Emerald shiner.

This is it for the Perch. I know they are getting them but no one is bringing them in for pictures. They seem to be really good catching right now in 55-60 ft of water off Trout Run and Walnut Creek. I have been told they are nice sized too. Just no pictures.

WALLEYE:

Eleven year old Dylan Baker of Penn Trafford, PA came in for his Angler Award for a Walleye. It was 8 pounds 9 ½ ounce and was 29 inches long with a girth of 18 inches. He caught it out in 63 ft of water straight off of Trout Run on a Renowsky. His color was “Wonder Bread”.

Randy Scott of Delta, PA brought in a couple nice 9 pound Walleye. The big one was 9 pound 10 ounces and it was 30 inches long and had a girth of 17 inches. He caught it on a worm harness. He was out on the “Mother Moose” which caught their limit. The color for the big one was a purple VooDoo.